Sunday, August 02, 2015, 5:35 p.m.

HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: I read a hint about flying with wrapped gifts. I flew with a suitcase of birthday and other gifts for family. I began the wrapping at home, choosing and cutting the paper for each gift. I wrote a small description (e.g., “Katie’s cookbook,” ”Tommy’s shaving kit”) inside the edge of each paper and wrote out the gift tags.

I stacked the papers, rolled them up and put them, some bows and gift tags in a baggie with a roll of tape inside the suitcase.

When I got to the relative’s house, I needed only a half hour to wrap the gifts.

I know from the note inside my suitcase that the Transportation Security Administration had opened it, but nothing was disturbed.

Pam, via e-mail

DEAR HELOISE: As we all are often in a hurry, sometimes we send something on the computer - an e-mail, placing an order, etc. - before we have completed our entry. I now leave the address where it is being sent blank until last. I fill that in when my item is complete and ready to go.

Jean M. in Conn.

DEAR HELOISE: I work at a veterinary clinic as a technician. I am always holding pets, and sometimes, when they are nervous, they urinate on me. Do you have any hints for removing the stain and smell from my clothing?

A Friend in Utah, via e-mail

DEAR READER: Try to treat the area as soon as possible, which can be hard when you are at work. The first thing you should do is “soak,” rinse or pat the area with tap water. To neutralize the smell and help treat the stain, use straight vinegar, or mix half water and half white household vinegar and sponge the area with it, then rinse. When home, wash as normal, but don’t put in the dryer until you check for a stain.

You might keep a small bottle of the vinegar solution at work so that you can treat areas immediately.

Do you have other stains you need help removing? Remember to always test a hidden area of the garment for colorfastness. And when treating a stain, blot - do not rub.

DEAR HELOISE: To help me and my children know how long to brush our teeth, we set a kitchen timer for two minutes. When the timer goes off, we know we have brushed long enough.